APTITUDE SKILLS BUILDING
(L: T:P: 1:2:0)
1. Course name: APTITUDE SKILLS BUILDING
2. Credits and contact hours: Credits: 2; Hours: 3 hours per week
3. Instructor’s name: Mr. Sanmeet Sidhu, Course Coordinator’s name – Ms. Varleen
Kaur
4. Text Books (author, title, publisher, and year):
Aggarwal, R.S., Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations; S Chand
(2017)
Agarwal, A., An expert guide to problem solving: with practical examples;
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2016)
Other supplemental materials: Instructor prepared material disseminated
through social media tools & apps
M. Tyra, Magical Book on Quicker Maths, Fifth Edition, BSC Publishing Co Pvt
Ltd, 2018
K Kundan, Advanced Verbal Reasoning, Tyrasons Publications, 2021
5. Specific course information
A. Course Overview
This course specifically aims to prepare students for the aptitude assessment conducted by
organizations as a part of their selection process. It includes aptitude centric employability
skills covering the following areas:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: Understand reading comprehension
challenge and develop ability of active reading; Understand nuances involved in
reading, and gain clarity on what reading comprehension questions demand and how
to answer them; Apply critical reasoning to draw conclusions; Learn and apply ways
to develop vocabulary and gain exposure to variety of words; Differentiate between
similar sounding words; Gain clarity in sentence correction and clear understanding of
concepts and their application; Understand the holistic importance of English
language testing in placement aptitude test
Quantitative & Logical Reasoning: Develop numeric proficiency and quantitative
skills along with an application of integrated reasoning to solve complex problems;
Apply quick calculation techniques to solve questions in Arithmetic; Apply quick
calculation techniques to solve questions in Algebra; Think critically and apply basic
mathematics skills to interpret data, draw conclusions, and solve problems; Apply
strategic steps for data analysis involving data Interpretation and data sufficiency;
Apply logical reasoning in aptitude tests; Apply test taking techniques for enhanced
performance in quantitative & logical reasoning
B. Course Objectives
Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of quantitative aptitude concepts,
including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, to solve numerical
problems efficiently.
Develop students' proficiency in verbal aptitude by enhancing their vocabulary,
comprehension skills, and ability to analyze and interpret written information
accurately.
Cultivate logical reasoning skills among students, enabling them to evaluate
arguments, identify patterns, and make deductions and inferences effectively.
Provide students with exposure to a variety of aptitude test formats commonly used
by different companies, such as numerical reasoning tests, verbal reasoning tests, and
logical reasoning tests.
Familiarize students with the structure and format of aptitude tests conducted by
various companies, including the types of questions, time constraints, and scoring
mechanisms.
Train students in time-management strategies to optimize their performance during
aptitude tests, ensuring they can complete tasks accurately and efficiently within the
allotted time frame.
Offer practice opportunities and mock tests to assess students' aptitude skills, identify
areas for improvement, and track their progress over time.
Provide personalized feedback and guidance to students based on their performance
in practice sessions, helping them to address weaknesses and build on strengths.
Develop students' confidence and self-assurance in their aptitude skills, enabling them
to approach aptitude tests with a positive mindset and perform to the best of their
abilities.
Prepare students to excel in aptitude tests conducted by different companies, thereby
enhancing their competitiveness in the job market and increasing their opportunities
for career advancement.
6. Specific Goals for the Course
.
A. Specific outcomes (SOs) addressed by the course.
SO-1 1. Apply quantitative reasoning in solving quantitative aptitude-based problems.
1.1 Apply basics of arithmetic to solve quantitative aptitude problems
1.2 Apply basics of algebra to solve quantitative aptitude problems.
1.3 Apply basics of modern math to solve quantitative aptitude problems.
1.4 Develop test-taking skills while approaching quantitative questions, particularly
with reference to prioritization, time management skills and overall strategy.
SO-2 2. Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting various types of data representations,
including bar graphs, pie charts, data tables, line charts, and caselets.
2.1 Develop a critical mindset to assess the accuracy and reliability of data presented in
different formats.
2.2 Develop the ability to extract relevant information accurately and efficiently from
diverse visual and textual formats.
2.3 Apply data based reasoning and problem-solving skills to extract quantitative
information from graphical and tabular representations.
perform calculations, comparisons, and extrapolations based on the presented data.
SO-3 3. Build a thorough understanding of the various types of logical reasoning questions,
becoming familiar with the structure, common pitfalls, and nuances of each.
3.1 Develop capacity to analyze, deduce, and infer solutions from complex statements
and puzzles.
3.2 Develop ability to solve complex logic- based problems with accuracy and speed.
3.3 Develop key test-taking strategies specific to logical reasoning tests, such as time
management, question triage (identifying and prioritizing questions based on difficulty
and familiarity), and educated guessing techniques.
SO-4 4. Develop an application-based understanding of verbal ability and its relevance in
aptitude tests.
4.1 Deepen understanding of grammar principles essential for verbal ability tests.
4.2 Enhance vocabulary and refine verbal usage skills.
4.3 Develop critical thinking skills required for verbal reasoning in aptitude tests.
4.4 Develop test-taking skills while approaching verbal questions, particularly with
reference to prioritization and time management skills
SO-5 5. Develop a comprehensive toolkit for approaching reading comprehension sections of
aptitude tests, including strategies for different question types, and time management
skills.
5.1 Learn about different types of questions (main idea, detail, inference, vocabulary in
context, and author's purpose).
5.2 Practice active reading by highlighting key ideas; develop strategic reading
approaches: skimming for main ideas, scanning for details, and analytical reading for
inferences.
5.3 Develop critical thinking skills to analyze texts beyond surface-level
understanding; make and justify inferences based on textual evidence; approach texts
with a critical mindset, questioning and connecting ideas.
5.4 Apply test taking strategies through practice tests.
B. Class Learning Outcomes (CLOs) addressed by the course
Class 1: Introduction to Quantitative Ability - Arithmetic Basics
Objectives: Introduce arithmetic concepts (numbers, operations, percentages, ratios,
averages).
Outcomes: Students understand basic arithmetic operations and their applications.
Class 2: Advanced Arithmetic & Introduction to Algebra
Objectives: Cover more complex arithmetic (interest, partnerships, mixtures, ratios,
variation) and basics of algebra (equations, inequalities, speed, time and distance).
Outcomes: Students can solve advanced arithmetic problems and simple algebraic
equations.
Class 3: Algebra Continued & Introduction to Modern Math
Objectives: Dive deeper into algebra (quadratic equations, sequences) and introduce
concepts of modern math (set theory, probability).
Outcomes: Students are comfortable with algebraic manipulations and have a basic
understanding of modern math concepts.
Class 4: Modern Math Continued
Objectives: Cover permutations, combinations, and more complex probability
problems.
Outcomes: Students can solve higher-level problems in modern math.
Class 5: Introduction to Data Interpretation
Objectives: Basics of data interpretation, understanding and interpreting bar charts and
pie charts.
Outcomes: Students can extract and interpret information from bar and pie charts.
Class 6: Data Interpretation - Line Charts and Tables
Objectives: Focus on line charts and data tables, interpreting trends, and comparing
data.
Outcomes: Students can analyse line charts and tables, identifying key information.
Class 7: Consolidation of Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
Objectives: Practice session with mixed problems from quantitative ability and data
interpretation.
Outcomes: Students apply concepts learned in a variety of problems, improving speed
and accuracy.
Class 8: Introduction to Logical Reasoning - Number Series and Sequences
Objectives: Basic concepts of logical reasoning, focusing on number series and
sequences.
Outcomes: Students can identify patterns and complete series.
Class 9: Logical Reasoning - Family Relationships and Directions
Objectives: Understanding and solving problems related to family trees and directional
sense.
Outcomes: Students can solve problems based on family relationships and directions
accurately.
Class 10: Consolidation of Logical Reasoning
Objectives: Mixed practice problems covering all aspects of logical reasoning
discussed.
Outcomes: Students refine their logical reasoning skills across different problem types.
Class 11: Introduction to Reading Comprehension
Objectives: Strategies for approaching different types of passages, identifying main
ideas, and understanding structure.
Outcomes: Students can effectively skim and identify the main idea of passages.
Class 12: Reading Comprehension Strategies Continued
Objectives: Advanced reading techniques, dealing with inferences, tone, and author's
purpose.
Outcomes: Students can analyze passages more deeply, answering complex questions
with confidence.
Class 13: Introduction to Verbal Ability - Grammar Fundamentals
Objectives: Grammar basics, sentence structure, common errors.
Outcomes: Students understand fundamental grammar rules and can identify errors in
sentences.
Class 14: Verbal Ability - Sentence Correction and Completion
Objectives: Advanced grammar, sentence correction, and completion strategies.
Outcomes: Students can correct and complete sentences accurately, applying grammar
rules.
Class 15: Review and Test-Taking Strategies
Objectives: Consolidate knowledge from all areas, focusing on test-taking strategies,
time management, and practice tests.
Outcomes: Students are prepared to approach aptitude tests holistically, with strategies
for each section and improved overall performance.
Supplementary Components:
Homework: After each session, practice problems are assigned that reinforce the day's
learning.
Quizzes: Regular quizzes to gauge progress and identify areas needing further review.
Mock Tests: Full-length practice tests towards the end to simulate the test
environment.